It's small business season

The countdown to Christmas is on. As I write this, December 25 is exactly 27 days away.

That means I have a lot of shopping to do, and very little time.

I came across this meme on Facebook a couple of weeks ago, and it really hit me.

It read, “Big companies won’t notice your purchase over the next couple months. But small businesses will, and it might even change their life.”

It’s true. Small, independent local businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. And their survival is integral to our community’s future.

Let’s play a game. When you unwrap your Christmas gifts this year, guess how many will have been purchased from a small, independent business. The larger the number, the bigger the win.

I joined a women’s business support group online a few months ago. Every day I read stories from women who are in various stages of business ownership. Some have just opened their Etsy shop and put a few items online for sale. Others are established designers selling their logo, branding and social media marketing packages to business owners who don’t have time to do their own.

Many times someone will ask how to get the word out about the products they sell, and often social media marketing rises to the top of the recommendation list.

“Start a tik tok shop,” someone will say.

“Have you tried posting videos showing the process of making those crochet animals?” another person will ask.

This right here is my way of promoting local businesses. As the publisher of the local newspaper who employs five more people who live here, I know just how important local support is to a small business. So consider the following as the holiday approaches.

Give Local

I challenge you to get as many gifts as possible from local businesses this year. Whether it be the latest power tool from Central City Lumber, a membership to the fitness center, a movie night at Carrington Youth Center or a handmade gift.

Christmas Around the Town is a great opportunity to see what our local merchants have in store for the holidays. With late shopping hours, a Holiday Edition of the Market at the Chieftain, and a Holiday Light Parade, Carrington will be hopping on Monday.

Central Pharmacy is holding its annual Holiday Open House all week. With a great sale, drawing and hot apple cider to sample, there’s something for everyone.

Purchase freshly-baked pies, cookies, buns and other delicious goodies from Prairie Inn Restaurant and Bakery or Leever’s Foods.

Encourage Local

Do you have friends and family members that ask you to make a list of what you want for Christmas each year? If so, you can encourage others to shop locally by putting things on your Christmas list that are available at local businesses, and tell the giver where they can be purchased.

I go into Main Street businesses such as Lioness and Garden Gate in Carrington and send my kids pictures of items I’d like for Christmas, so they get an instant list! I ask them to do the same for me.

Celebrate Local

At Transcript Publishing, we’re bringing back the post-holiday party this year. Usually it’s difficult to schedule our company Christmas party in December, given our press schedules and the variety of community events to cover.

For a few years we waited until January to get together as a team, and that seems to work a little better. Besides, local businesses need support even more in January, during the dreaded “holiday hangover” period.

However and whenever you do it, keep your celebrations local. We have great facilities and unique offerings right here at home.

Experience Local

DPRCA’s Elliott Schwab has written an original screenplay in the holiday spirit, “The Christmas Show.” This is a play you can only see right here in central North Dakota. Go as a group and experience a night of live theater, then drive around and look at Christmas lights when you get back to town.

Basil by Travis Wong offers cooking classes. Get the girls together and learn how to make pasta, potstickers or even creme brûlée.

Enjoy a taste of the country at “Christmas at the Creamery” hosted by Cows & Co Creamery on Saturday, Dec. 9. This is one for the whole family! Visit Santa, marvel at the holiday lights, enjoy live music and nosh on Christmas-themed treats and beverages,

Donate to the Holiday with our Heroes program. Youth get an opportunity to shop for gifts at local businesses, and right at their side are the fine police officers and first responders that keep our community safe. Now that’s an experience worth supporting.

Make this Christmas one to remember for everyone on your list, and for your favorite local merchants.